Jul
If you want completely closed storage, you will need by-passing panels. This calls for three stops – one in the center and one on each side. Use a ¼-inch-square strip at the center and ¼-inch round on the sides
If you have a power saw with dado-blade assembly, you can dispense with the stops (which must be nailed or glued) and cut channels directly into cabinet shelves.
A good channel depth for ¾-inch shelving is a 3/16-inch at the top and bottom. Cut the channel 1/16-inch wider than the panel, add 5/16-inch to the height of the opening, and you have the proper height for your sliding panels (this leaves 1/16 clearance for easy sliding).
If you want removable panels, cut down the panel height slightly so you get just a 1/16-inch “bite” at the top channel. This will give enough clearance to permit lifting out the panels. A deeper top channel will serve the same purpose if you prefer.
Fiber channels are sometimes used for sliding doors. The bone-hard material gives a much smoother ride than wood-on-wood. You can buy either single or double track varieties.
The single-track style has a single runner that fits into a groove on the cabinet shelf or closet floor. Fiber shoes, dadoes into the bottom of the doors, glide along this runner. Since the runner causes a ridge in the shelf or floor, you can reverse the system: closely space shoes in the floor, and dado the runner (end should be beveled) into the door.
Double channels of molded fiber have been developed for glass sliding doors. You dado the channels into the shelf. Glass does not need to be beveled, for the bottom of the channel is curved up to insure a minimum of bearing surface.
At the top of the door, you can use the same channels inverted (add wood stops), or you can cut dadoes grooves. With glass panels, allow enough clearance at the top so you can push them up and remove for cleaning.
